Prayer

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 12 teaches that wisdom for life's challenges includes sleeping peacefully like Peter chained between guards the night before execution, because trust in God transcends circumstances. The angel's specific instructions to Peter—get up, get dressed, put on sandals, wrap your cloak—shows God cares about practical details even in miraculous deliverances. When Rhoda left Peter standing outside in her excitement, it illustrates how God's answers can be so unexpected that even faithful believers struggle to believe them.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 4:23-37 reveals that success in adversity comes not from waiting for trials to pass but from seeking the Lord, resting in His sovereignty, and praying for boldness even when afraid. When threatened by authorities, the early church didn't pray for comfort or revenge but for courage to continue speaking God's Word. Their faith was proven genuine through selfless living, biblical unity, and radical generosity—demonstrating that a ground-shaking God enables His people to remain unshakable.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 1 teaches us that seasons of waiting are not wasted but vital for spiritual preparation. The early church's first act after Christ's ascension was to obey His command to wait and pray, establishing godly leadership while refusing passivity. True leadership seeks towels not titles, following Christ who washed feet rather than demanding position, reminding us that influence for God's glory matters more than any earthly title.

From the series: Unshaken

1 Thessalonians 3 shows that a life truly surrendered to Christ is marked by sacrificial care and genuine prayer for community, even in hardship. Our deepest impact comes not from personal performance but from investing in others, building unity, and trusting God to work through us—often in ways that reach far beyond what we see.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Hezekiah’s life challenges us to trust God, respond to Him immediately, pray boldly, and walk in humility. Despite his imperfect family legacy and personal failures, Hezekiah’s faith and obedience brought revival and deliverance to Judah. Like Hezekiah, we’re called to be humble distributors of God’s grace for His glory and the good of others.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms

Psalm 137 is a raw lament that teaches us to bring our honest emotions—anger, grief, or frustration—before God in times of suffering or injustice. Rather than holding on to bitterness, we’re called to reorient our hearts to God’s greater purpose and trust His perfect justice, finding peace through the cross of Christ.

From the series: Unveiled: A Study in Revelation

Revelation 8 highlights God’s sovereignty in judgment, emphasizing moments of silence, prayer, and reflection as acts of worship. It invites believers to trust God’s justice while embracing His grace, inspiring an exodus from worldly distractions to a deeper relationship with Christ, preparing for His ultimate redemption.

From the series: Late Summer in the Psalms

Today we have a special guest, Jay Holland. Jay shares on Psalm 88, a psalm of lament. The psalmist is pouring out their heart to God as they are facing tremendous difficulties and deep anguish in their soul. When we face pain and hardship, we can be honest with it and take it all to God.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms: Vol 2

While Psalm 90 is not first in the book of Psalms, it is actually the first psalm written, penned by Moses. He reflects on how God has always been faithful to His people, even when they were unfaithful to Him.

From the series: Summer in the Psalms: Vol 2

In Psalm 63, we hear the heart of David; how he finds his ultimate satisfaction in God and seeks to praise God with all he does.

From the series: Jars of Clay

In life, it can feel seemingly impossible to keep a Godly perspective. When we face tensions, we often try to control everything, when what we really need to do is turn our cares over to God.

From the series: Esther: Such a Time as This

What does it mean to "wait for the Lord?" In Esther 3, we see how selfish intentions and pride can cause chaos in all aspects of life.

From the series: Light the Dark

Delves into the significance of Jesus' prayers for believers, particularly in John 17. It emphasizes the importance of prayer in Jesus' life and teachings, highlighting how Jesus' prayers demonstrate his care and concern for his followers. Explores how Jesus, even in his final moments before his crucifixion, prioritized praying for others, showing his enduring love and commitment to his disciples.

From the series: Light the Dark

Focuses on emulating Jesus' approach to prayer, particularly as demonstrated in John 17. It discusses the intimate nature of Jesus' prayers and the importance of aligning one's prayer life with God's heart and Word. Encourages believers to develop a close relationship with God to enhance their prayer life, following Jesus' example of praying with sincerity, faith, and a focus on glorifying God rather than seeking personal glory.

From the series: Light the Dark

Discusses the idea of believers doing greater works than Jesus, as mentioned in John 14:12. It explains this concept not in terms of the quality of works but in their quantity and impact through the collective effort of all believers. Emphasizes the power of trust and relationship with God, the significance of prayer in Jesus' name aligning with His will, and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to fulfill God's purpose globally.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

We're starting a new series, "Pursuing God's Heart". This week we are examining the prayer and actions of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-3. She chose to dedicate her life to the Lord despite the ridicule around her.

From the series: Revive

We examine Psalm 55 and how to handle fear. When we encounter fearful or stressful circumstances, do we fight, run in flight, or turn to God in faith?

From the series: Revive

We are continuing our study in the book of Psalms. Today we look at Psalm 25, which is a psalm of lament and waiting on the Lord. It's also a reminder that Jesus has already won and we have victory through Him.

From the series: Kingdom Come

We look at the role of the temple and how God uses it to connect with his people.

From the series: 1 John

Focuses on the conclusion of the book of 1 John, emphasizing the confidence believers should have in their relationship with Christ. It highlights the importance of living in God's will, engaging in a life of prayer, and embracing eternal life through a relationship with Jesus. Discusses understanding God's will, the significance of praying according to that will, and the impact of faith and love in a believer's life.

From the series: Psalms Greatest Hits

Delves into how to navigate relational conflicts through faith. It emphasizes aligning one's heart with God's will before reacting to conflicts and stresses the importance of prayer in seeking divine guidance. Also discusses recognizing God's role in our lives during adversity, highlighting the need to respond to conflicts in a manner that glorifies God rather than escalating tensions.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discusses how to handle anxiety from a Christian perspective. It focuses on understanding and coping with anxiety through biblical teachings, emphasizing trust in God and not allowing anxiety to dictate life. It references various Bible passages to guide listeners on managing anxiety in a way that honors God and aligns with spiritual beliefs.

From the series: Cultural Collision

It addresses the complexities of spiritual warfare, highlighting the invisible battles behind physical realities. Discusses how Daniel's prayers and humility before God played a crucial role in the spiritual realm, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God during struggles. It underscores the power of prayer and the need for understanding spiritual dynamics in life's challenges.

From the series: Cultural Collision

Discusses powerful prayer through the context of Daniel 9. It emphasizes Daniel's dedication to prayer during challenging times and his reliance on God's promises and scripture, particularly Jeremiah's prophecy. It explores how Daniel's humble, consistent prayer life provides a model for modern believers, showing the importance of faithfulness, humility, and reliance on God's word in prayer. It encourages us to seek God earnestly in prayer for strength in present trials and hope for the future.

From the series: Cultural Collision

Discusses living faithfully in a culture that conflicts with Christian beliefs, using Daniel's story as an example. It emphasizes Daniel's unwavering devotion to God despite challenges, highlighting the power and importance of prayer in influencing one's culture. Encourages individuals to stand firm in their faith and make a positive impact in their personal sphere, much like Daniel did through his consistent prayers and trust in God.

From the series: Jonah

Delves into the importance of prayer, especially in challenging circumstances. It emphasizes that prayer is not just about asking for needs, but aligning one's heart with God's will. Discusses Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish as an example of sincere prayer born from adversity, highlighting how prayer provides intimate access to God and is essential for living a life dedicated to His mission.

From the series: Jonah

Delves into Jonah's transformation from running away from God to praying and aligning with God's will. It highlights Jonah's initial disobedience and eventual submission to God's call, emphasizing the power of prayer and surrender. Underscores the theme that one cannot outrun God and the importance of obedience and faith in the face of adversity.

From the series: Move Past

The importance of wisdom in navigating life's challenges and decisions, emphasizing Solomon's request for wisdom from God to lead his people effectively. It highlights that true satisfaction and the ability to handle life's gray areas come from wisdom, which is more valuable than material wealth or success.

From the series: 4 things I wish you knew about God

Emphasizes God's eagerness to communicate with His people, encouraging believers to engage in open, honest prayer. It highlights the significance of prayer as a means of fostering a deeper relationship with God, urging individuals to share their thoughts, worries, and gratitude openly with Him.

From the series: Soul Detox

Explores the spiritual restlessness that can pervade our lives, urging believers to find peace and rest in Christ. Drawing from the Psalms, it delves into the human tendency to seek satisfaction outside of God, leading to a restless spirit. It highlights the importance of redirecting our souls towards God, emphasizing trust in Him through life's journey and the significance of being still to recognize God's sovereignty and find true rest in His presence.

From the series: Joy in the Broken

Explores the theme of overcoming anxiety through faith, based on Philippians 4. It discusses trusting God instead of worrying, using prayer and thanksgiving to find peace, and how Paul's teachings offer practical ways to replace fear and anxiety with peace from God.

From the series: Loving the Old Testament

Explores the role of priests in representing people to God, emphasizing Samuel's sacred duty as both a judge and priest. It highlights the significance of understanding one's divine role and engaging faithfully with God's word, underlining the spiritual responsibilities inherent in leadership and servitude.

From the series: Bless This Home

Emphasizes the importance of joy in the Christian home. It discusses how true joy comes from a relationship with God and living out the Beatitudes. Encourages families to pursue righteousness and maintain a joyful attitude through faith, highlighting that joy is a vital element of a blessed and spiritually healthy home.

From the series: Six Hours with Jesus

Focuses on Jesus' final hours with His disciples, where He emphasizes prayer and communion with God. As He faces the crucifixion, Jesus prays for His disciples, demonstrating the importance of prayer and intercession. He reflects on His mission and the fulfillment of God's plan, praying for the disciples' protection and unity. Encourages believers to follow Jesus' example of prayer and to trust in God's plan amidst challenges.

From the series: Six Hours with Jesus

In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for upcoming challenges by promising the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the Spirit's role in providing guidance, comfort, and truth. Jesus reassures them that the Holy Spirit will help them face adversity with confidence and faith. Highlights the enduring presence and support of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, ensuring they are never alone in their struggles.

From the series: Ephesians

Highlights the necessity for Christians to stand firm against spiritual battles. It emphasizes the importance of equipping oneself with the full armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These elements symbolize the spiritual tools needed to withstand the enemy's schemes and maintain a strong, faithful stance in the Christian walk.

From the series: Ephesians

Emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ before addressing practical aspects of Christian living. Paul focuses on knowing God and building a relationship with Him as the foundation for a faithful life. Encourages us to prioritize their spiritual connection with God, recognizing that true transformation and effective living come from a deep, personal relationship with Him. Prayer is highlighted as a crucial means to experience and align with God's will.

From the series: Unbelievable Christmas

Discusses the uncommon and miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus. It starts with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, highlighting their faith and God's message delivered by the angel Gabriel. Emphasizes God's plan, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the importance of faith during the Christmas season.

From the series: Overcome

Focusing on biblical teachings about victory, using the Greek word "Nike" for victory. This message explores overcoming broken relationships through biblical principles such as prayer, humility, forgiveness, and relying on God's love and strength. The sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with Christ, yielding to His will, and trusting in God's power to heal and restore relationships, even in challenging circumstances.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Focuses on the theme of loneliness in leadership and the Christian life. It explores how Nehemiah faced loneliness while leading the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls and the challenges of diversion, disgrace, and deception that tried to derail his mission. Despite the opposition, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God’s calling.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Focuses on leadership and conviction and highlights Nehemiah’s deep burden for the desolate city of Jerusalem and his commitment to restore it despite opposition. Explores how Nehemiah’s leadership was grounded in prayer, preparation, and community, and emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for God’s mission.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Focuses on leadership through integrity, prayer, and conviction. Nehemiah, though not a charismatic figure, becomes a leader due to his faithfulness and determination to rebuild Jerusalem. The message emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for God's mission, praying for strength, and making plans to act on God's calling.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Introduces the book of Nehemiah and focuses on the need for transformation, both in the city of Jerusalem and in the hearts of God's people. Highlights how Nehemiah, a regular man with a deep burden for God's people, was moved to rebuild a broken city by first caring deeply for its condition.

There are countless books on prayer, but Scripture keeps it simple. Three practical ways to pray, drawn from how the Bible teaches us to pray.

Why pray to a God who already knows everything and controls all things? Six reasons prayer still matters more than you might think.

Ever freeze up, not knowing what to pray? You are not alone. How the Psalms can give us words for God when our own run out.

If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. A devotion on 1 John 5 and the quiet confidence God gives us when we pray.

Draw near with confidence to the throne of grace. A devotion on Hebrews 4 and the who, what, and why of coming to God in prayer.

Our real battles are not fought with worldly weapons. A devotion on 2 Corinthians 10 and the spiritual warfare every believer is called to fight.

Hebrews holds up Jesus as greater than every religious system. A devotion on our great high priest who invites us to approach with confidence.

The following article was written By Andrew Rodgers Human suffering, trial and pain have been part of our everyday lives since that horrible day recorded for us in Genesis 3. Naturally, we want to…

Have you ever wondered why we really need prayer? A provocative question that leads somewhere surprising about what prayer is actually for.

We remember Daniel for facing the lions, but his real courage showed up long before. A look at the quiet faithfulness that put him there.

Martha stayed busy while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. The story of Luke 10 reminds us the fullest life is the one centered on time with Him.

Parents are meant to be the spiritual leaders at home. Practical encouragement for helping your children build a daily walk with God.

When life leaves us empty, we need more than a day off. A look at why God gave us the Sabbath and what it really means to rest.

If God is all-powerful and never changes, why pray at all? Wrestling honestly with how prayer and God's sovereignty fit together.

When God seems silent, Psalm 77 gives words to the struggle. How Asaph worked through unanswered prayer and found his confidence in God again.